Rolex GMT 1675 18k Concorde Hands Vintage Review

Bill · 2021-04-23T04:20:51Z

Explore the rare Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 'Concorde hands' in gold. Bill's review uncovers its unique features, dial specifics, and historical context.

Bill

WPS member · Rolex forum

50 replies41948 views8 photos

Bill's insightful review of the Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 with 'Concorde hands' offers a deep dive into a rare and often misunderstood vintage reference. His meticulous research, drawing from period advertisements and Rolex price lists, provides invaluable context for collectors seeking to understand the nuances of this short-lived gold GMT-Master variant. This article illuminates why the 'Concorde hands' 1675 stands out as a unique and highly sought-after piece in Rolex's storied history.

The reference Rolex 1675 in gold is great model to own. But when it comes to a unique model with very few example circulating the Rolex 1675 with Concorde hands is a rare reference to own.

Rolex 1675 18k Concorde hands

First why the name "Concorde hands" well this is a nick name rather tgan a Rolex reference which is believed to have come from the Rolex advertisement ofvthe late 60's featuring a Concorde Pilot wearing the watch. I think that name as stuck with collectors worldwide.

Notice the price. $1,100 establishing the earliest price for the gold

Gmt 1675 with the concorde hands.

Rolex brochure 1675 concorde hands

So what is unique about the model. Well we can start with the hands. They are neither the Dauphine style from the earlier rolex 1675 no crown guard or the later and better known Mercedes hands which we all know very well. These hand long and flat and are specefic to this gold model 1675 which was produced for a very short time late 1968 - 1969 period sometime between serial 1.7 mil and 1.9 / 2,00x,xxx.

Concorde hands rolex 1675

Now to boil it down to real essence of the correct and uniqueness of this Concorde hands model. This reference 1675 shared the same dial as the no crown guard model just prior to the change to the crown guard. The transition from the non crown guard went from the 6542 Bakelite model which existed in gold with a brown Bakelite insert. I am not sure exactly when the 1675 reference replacing the 6542 was introduced with introducing the 1675 no crown guard and we arrive at the transition to crown guard model 1675 in gold featuring the same dial as the non crownguard withe the Concorde hands.

Back to the special feature of the correct dial for the Concorde hands model as shared with the no crown guard. The unique feature appearing on the non crown guard and the Rolex 1675 Concorde hands is the presence of a "dash line" between Oyster-Perpetual on the dial.

Notice the dash between oyster and perpetual in the no crown guard

Concorde hands with correct dash dial.

While there are a few examples in the wild of the Concorde hands it is my observation that the correct dial is the one with the dash line separator. You will quickly observe that there are very few models both non crown guard and 1675 Concorde with the early dash separator dial. Under a loop you can see some texture difference shared with the non crown guard model. While you can find Concorde hands having dials without the seperation dash i think this is a later dial. I also say the same is the case with non crown guard models missing the dash.

I hope you enjoyed this little exposé on the rolex GMT 18k 1675 Concorde hands.

Bill

About the Rolex GMT Ref. 1675

The GMT-Master reference 1675 is a significant model in the brand's history, representing an evolution from earlier GMT-Master references. It was produced for an extended period, allowing for numerous dial, bezel, and hand variations throughout its production run. This reference is notable for its introduction of crown guards, enhancing the watch's robustness and contributing to its distinct profile. It solidified the GMT-Master's design language, which would influence subsequent generations.

This reference features a 40mm case, available in stainless steel, yellow gold, or a two-tone combination of steel and yellow gold. It is powered by the automatic Caliber 1575, a chronometer-certified movement known for its reliability and a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. The watch is fitted with an acrylic crystal and offers a water resistance of 50 meters, suitable for everyday wear. The bidirectional rotating bezel, typically with an aluminum insert, displays a 24-hour scale.

For collectors, the 1675 is highly sought after due to its long production period and the resulting variety of configurations, including different dial types (gilt, matte), hand styles, and bezel colors (Pepsi, all-red, all-black). Its four-digit reference number and acrylic crystal are key characteristics that define it as a vintage Rolex. The reference appeals to those interested in the historical development of the GMT-Master line and the nuances of vintage watch collecting.

Specifications

Caliber: Cal. 1575

Case: Yellow Gold

Diameter: 40mm

Dial: Black

Water Resist.: 50m

Crystal: Acrylic

Key Points from the Discussion

The 'Concorde hands' nickname likely originated from a late 1960s Rolex advertisement featuring a Concorde pilot wearing the watch, a detail that has resonated with collectors globally.
The 'Concorde hands' are distinct from both earlier Dauphine hands and later Mercedes hands, characterized by their long, flat design, specific to this gold 1675 model produced for a very short period between late 1968 and 1969, within serial ranges 1.7 million to 2.0 million.
The presence of a 'dash line' between 'Oyster-Perpetual' on the dial is a crucial identifying feature shared with the earlier no-crown-guard 1675 models, indicating a correct and unique dial for the 'Concorde hands' reference.
While some period advertisements for the 1675 GMT-Master also featured Mercedes hands, the 'Concorde hands' version appeared earlier, with distinct pricing, confirming its unique place in the reference's history.
The 'Concorde hands' 1675 is considered rarer than the Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 6542, a reference already known for its scarcity.
The absence of the 'dash line' on a 1675 'Concorde hands' dial, while not definitively incorrect, often suggests a later replacement dial, making dials with the dash significantly more valuable.

The Discussion

amanico

Dec 31, 2015

I saw other ads with mercedes hour hand and the Concorde. Which removes nothing from the mystery of this version, which as you rightly pointed out, seems to have had a very short life, of one year, one year and a half. I saw much less of those than the 6542, which is not a very common reference, as you know. Thanks for putting all these details on line, Bill. Time to write a book about the Rolex GMT MASTER? Best, Nicolas

Bill

Dec 31, 2015

Featured flat Hands with ad date refernce 1968 from the magazine. So yes the ad did appear later with Mercedes hands so the story still stands as it was first seem with Flat long hands aka Concorde. You can see the flat hands selling price $1,125 vs the mercedes hands at a price of $1,375 both for the 18k model. Bill The same Concorde ad with a later model mercedes hands. Rolex ad with earlier flat hands aka Concorde. Dated 1968 We do know the sequence of production Concorde flat hands came befo

amanico

Dec 31, 2015

Or Gold ". Best, Nicolas

Bill

Dec 31, 2015

Is $46,000 today so thry had a good base price back in the day considering the evolution.

Mark in Paris

Dec 31, 2015

...for the Rolex noob I am. Thank you Bill. Cheers, Mark

pastaboy1939

Jan 1, 2016

and in your opinion is this combo legit?

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Rolex GMT 1675 18k Concorde Hands Vintage Review

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